A Few of My Favorite Things

Hi Vegas Fans,
During the holidays, I am reminded of My Favorite Things - not so much the song from The Sound of Music, but more from jazz legend John Coltrane's sweet tenor sax in the album of the same name, released in 1961. My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things... hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this.

 

I always like to look back and reflect on the year and share some of my thoughts as well as look ahead to the coming year. For a lot of reasons, this has been a challenging year for me. It has made my trips to Las Vegas that much more meaningful. I feel so fortunate that I get to escape reality, which tends to smack me in the face from time to time, and visit the un-real world of the Strip, downtown, and outskirts of the most exciting city in the world.

Here is a short list of my favorite Vegas things from 2011, in no particular order:

• Playing $5 blackjack and craps and enjoying a few rum and cokes, especially at the Stratosphere. It's all about the atmosphere, and the Strat has a lot of creative characters roaming the floor. Good times. 
• Hanging with my best friend and fellow degenerate gambler, Steve. We have been going to Vegas for over 20 years, and we typically enjoy the same goofy stuff and craziness of the wonderful world of Sin City.
• Betting on my sports team and yelling at TVs as if they can hear me. It is amazing to me that the quarterback doesn't throw the ball to avoid the sack no matter how loudly I try to persuade him.
• Walking the Strip at sunrise. I am one of those annoying morning people who likes to get up as dawn cracks and head to Starbucks or the Peppermill for a nice breakfast. There are two kinds of people you encounter at this hour: runners and crazy vagrants. It's a good mix.
• Eating at Battista's Hole in the Wall. Yeah, I get arguments against this one from time to time. Foodies like to turn their noses up at this place. But for me, it's more about the tradition and atmosphere. I always enjoy the wine with my dinner, and I love when Gordie the accordion player stops by my table to play a tune. In a city where history is reduced to rubble with a flip of a switch, I'm hoping that this place doesn't change for a while.
• Visiting Red Rock Canyon. Check out my pics on Flickr. It was a really beautiful day.
• Enjoying Bellagio's Fine Art Gallery. The last one of its kind on the Strip. I'm no art expert, but I know what I like. They consistently show the best masterpieces by classic artists - from Picasso to Lichtenstein to everyone in between.
• Finishing Simplifying Las Vegas 2012. Just in the St. Nick of time.

I could go on and on here, but you get the idea. Whether you like to people watch, eat good food, gamble, party or sit by the pool and catch some rays, Las Vegas is a great getaway. I look forward to my next trip. I'm already planning it.

When I count my good fortunes, and yes I do have a lot of them even when times are more difficult, I often include how grateful I am that I get to go to Vegas and enjoy some of my favorite things.

Please feel free to post some of your favorite Vegas things... you can post anonymously if your boss or spouse also follows this blog.
Viva,
Mike

Football Season - Prime Time for Vegas Sports Books

Hi Vegas fans,
Football season is right around the corner. Now that the pro football lockout dust has settled and the college football teams have gone through a few scandals, it's time to place some bets on the actual games.

Sports books come in all shapes and sizes. Generally, the nicer casinos have big books with a bunch of large screen TVs, fancy seating, digital boards with every conceivable game, and lots of food and drink available in a nearby deli. I love the comfy seating and the upscale atmosphere of the bigger books.

But don't rule out smaller books. Sometimes they have better odds, and they also have more colorful characters, who are fun to watch. Also, you'll usually find more promotions - like a huge payout on parlays - to try to draw you in.

Wherever you decide to go, expect big crowds on game day. Get there early to get a seat, and go with a friend who will hold it for you while you take a bathroom break from the beers you're drinking while watching the games (don't forget to tip the cocktail waitresses!).

Here are some of my favorite Vegas books and a few contests to get your football motor running:

• Although the Las Vegas Hilton is going through some tough times financially, they still have the best book in Vegas. Tons of seats, lots of big screens, and even a small non-smoking section.
• If you like upscale, try the Bellagio or Lagasse's Stadium at Palazzo.
• Station Casinos, which include the Fiestas, Green Valley Ranch, and El Cortez, are promoting a $2 million giveaway contest.
• The book at the Stratosphere is pretty small, but it's also colorful. During football season, they also open up one of their banquet rooms and have a big party with food, booze, and even a few blackjack tables that you can visit when your team is losing by 35 points. Good times.
• Boyd properties - which include Main Street Station, Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam's Town, California and Fremont - have a Pick the Pros contest with over $500k in prizes.

Good luck and enjoy!
Viva,
Mike